Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ben Lewis.

Audio Recording – Start time of Item – 18 seconds

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ben Lewis,

To take as read and approve as a true record the minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on the 12 September 2018.

These minutes are to follow.

The Committee and Member Services Officer apologised that the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2019 were not available. They would be presented to the next meeting for consideration.

Audio Recording – 30 seconds

The Committee and Member Services Officer apologised that the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2019 were not available. They would be presented to the next meeting for consideration.

Members should notify the Chairman of other business which they wish to be discussed by the Committee at the end of the business set out in the agenda. They must state the circumstances which they consider justify the business being considered as a matter of urgency.

The Chairman will decide whether any item(s) raised will be considered.

There was no other business notified.

Audio Recording – 2 minutes and 42 seconds

There was no other business notified.

Members are reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, should be declared as either a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest or Declarable Interest and are required to notify the Chairman of the nature of any interest declared at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda.  Members declaring a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest must withdraw from the meeting for the duration of the item. Members declaring a Declarable Interest, wished to exercise a ‘Councillor Speaking Right’, must declare this at the same time as the interest, move to the public area before speaking to the item and then must leave the room before the debate and vote.

(1)       The Chairman welcomed those present at the meeting, especially those who had attended to give a presentation;

(2)       The Chairman advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded;

(3)       The Chairman drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.

Audio Recording – 2 minutes and 48 seconds

(1)       The Chairman welcomed those present at the meeting, especially those who had attended to give a presentation;

(2)       The Chairman advised that, in accordance with Council Policy, the meeting would be audio recorded;

(3)       The Chairman drew attention to the item on the agenda front pages regarding Declarations of Interest and reminded Members that, in line with the Code of Conduct, any Declarations of Interest needed to be declared immediately prior to the item in question.

Councillor Ruth Brown declared a disclosable interest in that her husband was treasurer to the Pageant.

Councillor Sarah Dingley, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding the grant application for the Royston Historical Pageant,

The Chairman thanked Councillor Dingley for her presentation.

Audio Recording – 3 minutes and 38 seconds

Councillor Ruth Brown declared a disclosable interest in that her husband was treasurer to the Pageant.

Councillor Sarah Dingley, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding the grant application for the Royston Historical Pageant as follows:

·                     Royston had a rich heritage including the cave and the medieval market town layout which was linked to James I;

·                     Several people had volunteered to join the Committee, Heads of local schools had been approached to take part and Scouts and Guides had been invited to contribute;

·                     The event would be held on the Heath with various events from the age;

·                     Children would learn something of their heritage and it would draw people to the Town;

·                     As an established date in the calendar, it would put Royston on the map;

·                     Items, reminiscent of the day, would be sold to raise funds for future events;

In response to questions from Members, Councillor Dingley advised that:

·                     Interest had been expressed from various people and Councillor Dingley had lots of experience having worked for Creative Royston;

·                     The date of event was 7 July 2019;

·                     Toilets and marketing had not been included in the original costing of £2,650 resulting in the amount required for the event being increased to £4,000;

·                     Despite its popularity, jousting had been ruled out due to cost. It would also have drawn in more people and the additional cars would have to be accommodated;

·                     There were camping restrictions on the Heath therefore all those taking part would have to attend on the day;

·                     As it was the first event of its kind for Royston and in order to accommodate as many people as possible, the programme of events was still being developed;

·                     Licensing would be required.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Dingley for her presentation.

Mr Steven Kilford, Royston Bowls Club, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

The Chairman thanked Mr Kilford for his presentation.

Audio Recording – 10 minutes and 22 seconds

Mr Steven Kilford, Royston Bowls Club, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

·                     Royston Bowls Club was established in 1927;

·                     Funds were requested to purchase a de-thatcher machine. This would reduce the thicker grass otherwise known as thatch on the green which in turn produced weeds, thus reducing the need to use herbicides and pesticides;

·                     The de-thatcher would compact the green, make it flatter and provide an improved surface on which bowls could be played;

·                     The players were of diverse ages, including teenagers;

·                     Royston Bowls Club were beneficiaries of a large legacy and one of the stipulations was that they become a registered charity and that the bequest be used to build a new clubhouse, with any remainder being set aside for any improvements and repairs;

·                     The Club only operated for 5 months each year and they had a problem covering the costs.

·                     The Club made a loss every year with a total of £22,000 lost over the last nine years.

The following Members asked questions:

·                Councillor Ruth Brown;

·                Councillor Gerald Morris;

·                Councillor Tony Hunter.

In response to questions, Mr Kilford advised that:

·                     The clubhouse was not rented out as a rule but members could use the facility free of charge and they had rented it out on a few occasions;

·                     They were trying to gain new sponsorship by use of advertising boards around the green and through advertising in their handbook;

·                     They already had two sponsors;

·                     They were concerned that hirers would cause a nuisance to neighbours and they were not licenced to hold music events;

·                     They were also concerned about the risk of damage to the green by hirers;

·                     The green was currently maintained by using a scarifier, rotivators and mowers;

·                     The use of a de-thatcher would reduce the need for addition of topsoil which would add to the costs as well as increasing the height of the green;

·                     A profit had been made from 1927 until 2010 and they had sold some land, these funds had been used to cover recent losses;

·                     They had £124,000 of the bequest remaining, which was ringfenced for the clubhouse and the current account held about £9,000;

·                     There were 132 members of which 96 were playing members and the remainder were social members;

·                     The Club was always looking to increase its numbers however bowls had been portrayed as an old people’s sport;

·                     In recent years the game was being played by young players;

·                     The Club catered for both social and competitive games.

·                     The Club was taking part in the Tesco Bags of Help scheme and representatives from the club would be in the store for two months from 1February 2019,

The Chairman thanked Mr Kilford for his presentation.

Councillor Ruth Brown declared a declarable interest in that she was a member of the choral society. She advised that she would remain for the presentation, but would leave the room during the debate and vote regarding the grant application.

Ms Carole Kaszak, Royston Choral Society, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application.

The Chairman thanked Ms Kaszak for her presentation.

Audio Recording – Start time of Item – 28 minutes and 2 seconds

Councillor Ruth Brown declared a declarable interest in that she was a member of the choral society. She advised that she would remain for the presentation, but would leave the room during the debate and vote regarding the grant application.

Ms Carole Kaszak, Royston Choral Society, thanked the Chairman for the opportunity to address the Committee regarding their grant application as follows:

·                     Royston Choral Society had been established since 1973 and was committed to performing at least four pieces annually;

·                     They were involved Royston and the surrounding villages;

·                     The Choir was committed to performing JS Bach’s “St John’s Passion” in German at Easter which was quite challenging for an amateur choir;

·                     This performance involved a small orchestra and soloists the cost of which, including hospitality, was estimated at £5,000 and they expected to make a loss of approximately £3,000:

·                     Funds were to be raised through membership, ticket sales, advertising and bar sales;

·                     The club made a loss of £500 last year;

·                     They would like to expand their reputation beyond Royston

·                     They were looking to involve younger people.

The following Members asked questions:

·                Councillor Gerald Morris.

In response to questions from Members Ms Kaszak advised that:

·                Concert numbers varied depending on the event but there were usually around 200 and the costs were the same for each performance;

·                Local children who studied music for GCSE and A’ level might be invited to perform specific pieces of music that they were studying but this was due to be discussed at the Society’s next meeting.

The Chairman thanked Ms Kaszak for her presentation.

The Chairman to lead a discussion regarding any issues raised, including current and proposed highways schemes.

County Councillors Fiona Hill and Steve Jarvis gave an update regarding highways issues.

The Chairman thanked County Councillors Hill and Jarvis for their updates.

Audio Recording - 37 minutes and 7 seconds

County Councillor Fiona Hill advised that:

·                     The Highways Liaison Meeting was attended by Town, District and County Councillors and Officers from the district;

·                     The Highways Together project was where the County Council worked with Town and Parish Councils on various projects, dates for meetings were being discussed;

·                     Winter programme had already begun and included community salt;

·                     There were questions from the ‘A10 Safer Crossing Group’ who wanted an update.  They had received a commitment from the Executive Member at Hertfordshire County Council and he was organising a meeting between Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Officers and Members to try to progress things;

·                     Hertfordshire County Council had completed a feasibility study on a safer crossing. Hertfordshire County Council had agreed in principle to maintain the bridge that was for the benefit of non-vehicular users;

·                     North Herts Council had pledged Section 106. Town Council and businesses had pledged funds.

·                     Grants had been applied for from the PCC  and Hertfordshire LEP;

·                     Speed indicator devices had been placed throughout the Town. There was a little funding remaining on the Highway’s Locality Budget so it was likely that further sockets would be installed. 

·                     Had worked with Councillor Dingley to try to identify and educate people on speeding;

·                     There had been an application at Town Council level to the PCC Road Safety Fund for more speed indicator devices and were awaiting decision.

County Councillor Steve Jarvis advised that:

·                     The work for next year was starting to be set out however had not yet been committed both in terms of highways locality budgets and in terms of the county wide repair budgets.

·                     A decision was expected once the PCC application decision was known;

·                     The safety issue which concerned the sign being knocked down and which pointed towards the bypass at the Macdonald’s roundabout; had been delayed until next year.

·                     It had been agreed that LED halos would be fitted at the crossing and the work was thought to be due this financial year.

The Chairman thanked County Councillors Hill and Jarvis for their updates.

Grant Application - Royston Historical Pageant

Councillor Ruth Brown declared a disclosable interest in that her husband was treasurer to the Pageant. She would therefore not take part in the vote.

Councillor Sarah Dingley declared a disclosable interest in that she was on the organising committee for the Royston Historical Pageant, She advised that she would leave the room and take no part In the debate and vote

After the debate and vote Councillor Dingley returned to the room.

Grant Application - Royston Choral Society

Councillor Ruth Brown declared a declarable interest in that she was a member of the Royston Choral Society. She advised that she would leave the room and take no part in the debate and vote.

Following the vote Councillor Brown returned to the room.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That grant funding of £500 be awarded to Royston Historical Pageant to assist with the costs associated with a large historical event for the town in 2019;

(2)       That grant funding of £1,000 be awarded to Royston Bowls Club to purchase a machine to de-thatch the green that will help reduce disease and improve the playing surface;

(3)       That grant funding of £750 be awarded to Royston Choral Society to assist with publicity, event and equipment hire costs for their performance of St John Passion at Royston Parish Church on 6 April 2019;

(4)       That the sum of £1,500 be released in support of the Free After 3pm Parkinginitiative scheme for the town;

(5)       That the actions taken by the Community Officer to promote greater community capacity and well-being for Royston be endorsed.

REASON FOR DECISION: To improve services provided by local organisations and groups which are accessed by the community.

Audio Recording – 43 minutes and 12 seconds

Budgets

The Communities Officer advised that there was £5,170 available for grant funding.

The Pathway at the End of Green Drift:

The Communities officer advised that the legal fees had been paid.  No further progress had been reported.

Coombes Community Association:

There had been some anti-social behaviour at Coombes Community Centre and the Communities Officer was working in conjunction with the Police and Community Safety to address this issue.

Royston Christmas Market

The Royston Christmas Market would be held for the first time on Saturday 1 December 2018 in Fish Hill Square.

Royston First BID

The consultation period had begun and if agreed the new BID would start on 1 April 2019.

Section 106

Nothing had been received regarding bicycle racks but this would be chased. A lot of work had been done as to where these would be placed but it was unknown as to whether or not the costings had been done and the details would need to be clarified by Highways.

Winter Fair

Councillor Dingley thanked the Communities Officer for all his hard work during the Winter Fair as it was a major job.

Grant Application - Royston Historical Pageant

Councillor Ruth Brown declared a disclosable interest in that her husband was treasurer to the Pageant. She would therefore not take part in the vote.

Councillor Sarah Dingley declared a disclosable interest in that she was on the organising committee for the Royston Historical Pageant, She advised that she would leave the room and take no part n the debate and vote

The Communities Officer advised that this event would be a good addition to the events in the Town.

After the debate and vote Councillor Dingley returned to the room.

Grant Application - Royston Bowls Club

The Communities Officer reminded Members that:

·                The Club had £124,000 which was ring fenced for clubhouse maintenance and repairs;

·                This was the first application made by the Club for grant funding;

·                The club had 100 members of mixed age ranges.

Grant Application - Royston Choral Society

Councillor Ruth Brown declared a declarable interest in that she was a member of the Royston Choral Society. She advised that she would leave the room and take no part in the debate and vote.

Following the vote Councillor Brown returned to the room.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That grant funding of £500 be awarded to Royston Historical Pageant to assist with the costs associated with a large historical event for the town in 2019;

(2)       That grant funding of £1,000 be awarded to Royston Bowls Club to purchase a machine to de-thatch the green that will help reduce disease and improve the playing surface;

(3)       That grant funding of £750 be awarded to Royston Choral Society to assist with publicity, event and equipment hire costs for their performance of St John Passion at Royston Parish Church on 6 April 2019;

(4)       That the sum of £1,500 be released in support of the Free After 3pm Parkinginitiative  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

To receive any oral reports from Members regarding Ward matters and Outside Organisations.

Members discussed the following:

·                Planning Application for 5 Green Drift

·                Drive Safe Scheme

·                Town Twinning

Audio Recording – 1 hour 2 minutes and 5 seconds

Planning Application for 5 Green Drift

There was a Planning Application for 5 Green Drift which was initially refused and then another Planning Application was made.  The Planning Control Committee refused the second application, however Councillor Brown was pleased to report that the Applicant had arranged to meet with some of the residents who had objected, to find out their concerns and try to devise a new Planning Application that everyone would be happy with.

Drive Safe Scheme

It was hoped that the launch of the Drive Safe Scheme would take place shortly. Police provided equipment to check speeding.